Walter Henderson Blackburn III, known as W.H., 74, of Abilene, passed away on July 6, 2026.

 Visitation will be held from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM on Sunday, July 12th, at The Hamil Family Funeral Home.

Funeral services will take place at 11:00 AM on Monday, July 13th, also at The Hamil Family Funeral Home, with Dr. Gary Buckner officiating. Burial will follow at Elmwood Memorial Park. Services are under the direction of The Hamil Family Funeral Home, 6449 Buffalo Gap Road. 

W.H. was born in Abilene to W.H. Blackburn Jr. and Ruth Blackburn on July 9, 1951. He attended school in both Elmdale and Abilene, graduating from Abilene High School. During high school, he was heavily involved in Future Farmers of America, earning several awards and honors. He was also active in 4-H, holding various offices and participating in cattle livestock shows. After high school, he served in the Texas National Guard. He later pursued a lifelong career as a farmer and livestock cattle rancher, and also operated the Blackburn Fina Truck Stop. Over the years, W.H. served as a board member for both the Eula ISD and the Hamby Water Supply Corporation. He served for many years as a Supervisor for the Hereford Livestock Show and was a member of the Hereford Livestock Association. He was also a member of Elmdale Baptist Church.

 W.H. will be remembered as the family historian, always ready with a story to share about family or friends. He often told humorous stories passed down to him or ones he was personally a part of. He had an uncanny ability to remember details about who was related to whom and how everyone was connected. He loved his family and wanted to pass down his knowledge of the land and cattle to his children and grandchildren. This legacy will be carried on.

 W.H. was preceded in death by his parents, W.H. and Ruth Blackburn, and his wife, Teresa Wester Blackburn.

 He is survived by his daughter, Robin Buckner, and husband Micah of Abilene; sons, Todd Blackburn of Abilene, and Ramey Burke and wife Christy of McKinney; and grandchildren, Austin, Memphis, and Charlotte Buckner of Abilene and Lily Burke of McKinney. 

Pallbearers will be Todd Blackburn, Ramey Burke, Micah Buckner, Austin Buckner, Memphis Buckner, and Michael Landers.